prequel

American  

[pree-kwuhl] / ˈpri kwəl /

noun

1. a literary, dramatic, or filmic work that prefigures a later work, as by portraying the same characters at a younger age.

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prequel British  

/ ˈpriːkwəl /

noun

1. a film or book about an earlier stage of a story or a character's life, released because the later part of it has already been successful

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Etymology

Origin of prequel

First recorded in 1970–75; pre- + (se)quel

Example Sentences

He also recently starred in the “Yellowstone” prequel “1923” and appeared in his first Marvel movie, “Captain America: Brave New World.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

The "Outlander effect" is set to continue as the show branches into a prequel story about the parents of the original hero Jamie, and his wife Claire, played by Caitriona Balfe.

From BBC • Jan. 28, 2026

It’s rare that an existing franchise ever needs a prequel.

From Salon • Jan. 4, 2026

Then there’s the new “Game of Thrones” prequel.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

In the coming year the studio also has slated a Michael Jackson biopic and a “Hunger Games” prequel, Harrigan says.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 23, 2025